Over the past few years, Nashville has emerged as one of the coolest cities in the United States. It’s a city that caters to all types of visitors with its legendary music scene, boisterous bars, indulgent restaurants and interesting history.
But Nashville is an expensive city and finding budget accommodations can be a real challenge.
Which is why I wrote this guide for where to stay in Nashville, so you’ll be able to enjoy the best of music city without breaking the bank.
Compiled by travellers for travellers, this guide will help you find the best neighbourhood and accommodations. Whether you’re looking to party all night long, see the top sights, or are travelling with kids, I’ve got a neighbourhood that’s perfect for you!
Let’s get right to it, here are my top picks for where to stay in Nashville, Tennessee.
Are you visiting Nashville? Looking for a specific place to stay? These are my highest recommendations for places to stay in Nashville. It’s one of the most fun destinations in America and somewhere you just have to add to any USA backpacking trip.
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Central Nashville Pad: Beautiful Musician’s Guesthouse
Located right in the heart of Nashville’s city center, this place is great for first-timers. You’ll have access to a huge range of restaurants to suit all budgets, museums, and galleries, all within walking distance. The great access to public transport will make exploring the city at large a breeze. It’s one of the best Airbnbs in Tennessee, for sure.
Best Hostel in Nashville: Tru By Hilton Nashville Downtown
Now you might not think a Hilton hotel would live up to hostel vibes, but the Tru Hotel does just that! Although there are only private rooms available, this hotel/hostel has a huge shared lounge with a foosball table and pool table, as well as a kitchen for guests to use. There’s also an outdoor pool, the perfect place to mingle with other like-minded travelers. It has a BBQ and fitness center, as well as a working space. It combines the best parts of a hostel and hotel in the ideal location; downtown Nashville.
Best Hotel in Nashville: SoBro Guesthouse
The SoBro Guesthouse is my choice for one of the best hotels in Nashville. This four-star property is centrally located in trendy SoBro, making it an outstanding base for your time in Nashville. It is within walking distance to top sightseeing attractions, such as the Johnny Cash Museum and Country Music Hall of Fame, and dining and entertainment options. On-site, you’ll enjoy laundry facilities and comfortable rooms.
SoBro
SoBro – or South of Broadway – is set in Nashville’s City Centre. A short walk from downtown and the state capitol building, SoBro is a neighbourhood famed for its honky tonks and neon lights, its lively bars and exciting sights.
Downtown
Downtown Nashville is a neighbourhood located at the heart, soul and centre of the city. A hub for entertainment and excitement, downtown is a neighbourhood brimming with music venues, eateries, arts and cultural, and historic landmarks.
Midtown
Located west of the city center is the bustling Midtown neighbourhood. Home to Vanderbilt University and a thriving student population, Midtown is known for hosting some of the most exciting and fun nightlife in the city.
The Gulch
Nestled between downtown and Midtown is The Gulch. Far and away the coolest neighbourhood in the city, The Gulch is a LEED-certified neighbourhood with a rich industrial history.
Music Valley
Well outside the city centre is Music Valley. A charming and historic neighbourhood in East Nashville, Music Valey is known for its outstanding entertainment, cultural and historic activities, unique shopping and outdoor adventures.
Nashville is the capital and largest city in the state of Tennessee. It’s a city famous for its country music scene, southern fried fare, and charming way of life, and over the past decade, Nashville has risen the ranks to become one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States. Visiting Nashville is a real kick-ass experience.
The city covers an area of 1,362 square kilometers and is divided into more than 20 distinct and diverse neighborhoods. This guide will highlight the must-sees broken down by interest.
Downtown Nashville is the neighborhood at the center of the city. It is a hub for entertainment and is where you’ll find a great selection of the city’s most famous sightseeing attractions and historical landmarks, and the perfect spot for country music fans.
Head south from there, and you’ll arrive in SoBro. A trendy and central neighborhood, SoBro is home to rocking bars, hip restaurants, exciting activities, and amazing tourist attractions.
Travel west across 8th Avenue to The Gulch. Far and away from the coolest area of the city, The Gulch is a LEED-certified neighborhood famous for its boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s also close to the iconic Centennial Park, the ultimate place for relaxing.
Continue northwest to Midtown. A bustling neighborhood known for its nightlife, Midtown is where you’ll find the best bars, clubs, and after-dark fun in town. It’s packed full of music studios and live music venues. There are quite a few cool Nashville vacation rentals in the surrounding neighborhood too.
And finally, head east, all the way across town to Music Valley. Set on the banks of the Cumberland River in East Nashville, Music Valley is home to iconic sights, lush parks, and a whole host of family-friendly fun and games.
Nashville’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now, let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville. Each is a little different from the last so make your days in Nashville a little more tailored to you by picking the right neighborhood.
1. SoBro – Where to Stay in Nashville First Time
SoBro – or South of Broadway – is set in Nashville’s City Center. A short walk from downtown and the state capitol building, SoBro is a neighborhood famed for its honky-tonks and neon lights, its lively bars, and exciting sights. For country music fans, this is the place to be.
It’s where you’ll find everything from great local restaurants and southern charm to diverse history and electric nights, which is why it’s my pick for where to stay in Nashville if you’re visiting for the first time.
SoBro was once known for its worn-down streets dotted with empty buildings. After undergoing revitalization in recent years, SoBro is now one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Not only is it strategically located, but it is home to a great selection of country music institutions, museums, art houses, shops, and more.
Central Nashville Pad: Beautiful Musician’s Guesthouse
Located right in the heart of Nashville’s city center, this place is great for first-timers. You’ll have access to a huge range of restaurants to suit all budgets, museums, and galleries right on your doorstep, and the great access to public transport will make exploring the city at large a breeze.
Cool Downtown Apartment: Top Floor Condo
SoBro is known for its stunning apartments and studios. This is definitely one of them. Located in the heart of SoBro, you can enjoy this beautiful and modern designed condo with floor to ceiling windows. With enough room for eight people, enjoy luxurious amenities, including a resort-style pool, a peaceful courtyard with gas grills, and fire pits.
Best Resort in SoBro: Margaritaville Vacation Club
This beautiful resort offers great studios in the heart of SoBro. It might not be the cheapest place for a solo traveller but the studios sleep up to 4 people – bring your friends along, split the bill at the end and enjoy some luxury for a super affordable rate. The building offers an outdoor pool, a games room, and an indoor hot tub, which are free to use. Check out the pictures yourself – you’ll fall in love with this epic Nashville VRBO.
Things to See and Do in SoBro
- Dine on delicious Southern fare at Merchants Restaurant.
- Dive deep into the history of popular American music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
- Enjoy tasty food and good drinks with a side of great music at The Listening Room Café.
- Get to know the Man in Black by visiting the Johnny Cash Museum
- Grab a drink and enjoy amazing views from the rooftop of Rippy’s Bar & Grill.
- Root for the hometown hockey team, the Nashville Predators, at Bridgestone Arena.
- Visit Honky Tonk Central one of the largest and liveliest bars in town.
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Learn More Now!2. Downtown – Where to Stay in Nashville on a Budget
Downtown Nashville is a neighbourhood located at the heart, soul, and center of the city. A hub for entertainment and excitement, downtown is a neighborhood brimming with live music venues, eateries, arts and culture, and historical landmarks.
It’s also my pick for where to stay in Nashville if you’re travelling on a budget. Home to the only hostel in the city, downtown is teeming with affordable accommodation options that are ideal for travelers of all ages and styles.
So whether you’re looking for a social hostel or a chic boutique hotel, you’ll find what you’re looking for in vibrant downtown Nashville.
Bargain Downtown Studio: Apartment at Music Row
Cost is relative, and Nashville is a major US city steeped in history. You won’t find many properties going that can match the cost-quality balance of this place. This apartment has all the amenities you’ll need to get by. It sleeps up to 4 guests so you can even split the cost even further.
Affordable Downtown Room: River & Blues-Downtown
If you are visiting Nashville on a budget, then you don’t need to splurge on renting a whole pad when you can get this lovely private room at a super affordable price. This is a lovely, clean comfortable double bedroom located inside a Germantown apartment. You can use the shared bathroom and kitchen, and the host will stay well out of your way.
Best Hostel in Downtown: Tru By Hilton Nashville Downtown
This is one of the coolest hostels in Nashville and the only one downtown! It is set a short walk from top attractions and is surrounded by eateries, shops and bars. This hostel boasts an outdoor pool, fitness center, laundry facilities, free wifi, and a billiards table. All this combined makes it my pick for where to stay downtown.
Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown: Fairlane Hotel
With its central location, stylish décor and myriad of modern facilities, it’s no wonder this is one the best luxury hotels in Nashville. Set downtown, this four-star hotel is a short walk from trendy restaurants, bars, shopping and sightseeing. It has 77 retro rooms each outfitted with essential features and charming designs.
Things to See and Do in Downtown
- Catch a show at the iconic Ryman Auditorium.
- Explore Tennessee’s rich and diverse history at the Tennessee State Museum.
- Grab a drink at Robert’s Western World.
- Listen to live country music at the Second Fiddle.
- Learn about the history of African American music at the National Museum of African American Music.
- Spend a night at the fun and festive Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar.
- Take a guided tour of the Tennessee State Capitol and explore the stunning grounds.
- Visit the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum.
- Wander through the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
3. Midtown – Best Area to Stay in Nashville for Nightlife
Located west of the city center is the bustling Midtown neighbourhood. Home to Vanderbilt University and a thriving student population, Midtown is known for hosting some of the most exciting and fun nightlife in the city.
It is where you’ll find a myriad of great bars, pubs and clubs offering up music, drinks, dancing and fun for travellers of all ages and styles. So whether you’re looking to dance until dawn or chill with a glass of wine, Midtown is the place to be, especially for music lovers!
But there’s more to Midtown than parties and pubs. This eclectic neighborhood is packed with interesting artifacts, unique landmarks, lush parks, and plenty of charming cafes and trendy restaurants.
Johnny Cash’s Old Pad!: Cash, Presley & Beatles Loved It
If you’re a music fan, there’s a good chance you’re in Nashville to soak up the city’s world-famous live scene. It’s not all country and western, Nashville is still a favourite of songwriters from around the world. Why not join the party by staying at the same place as Cash, The Beatles and Elvis. It’s even got a guitar-shaped pool! Rock and roll!
Midtown Studio with Pool Access: 8th Ave Studio
Nashville can get damn hot (it is the South, after all), so what better way to cool down than by taking a dip in your very own pool! This lovely one-bedroom studio offers access to a shared on-site pool. There is free parking, too, making this a very well-served Midtown Nashville option.
Best Apartment in Midtown: Trendy and Walkable Midtown Home
Staying on Music Row means a party! But no party is complete without having a place to cure your hangover the day after. This cute studio is the perfect place for some predrinks and recharges after a night out. Although it’s an incredibly close location to bars and clubs, you can still enjoy a peaceful night. There’s free parking, Netflix, Wifi, and more! The apartment can sleep 4 people, so you can even bring some friends if you like – just be respectful of the neighbors!
Best Hotel in Midtown: Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville
This hotel is my best pick for where to stay in Midtown. Located in a lively and vibrant neighborhood, this hotel is close to great restaurants, bars, and clubs, as well as major attractions. The modern hotel room comes complete with flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and private en-suite bathrooms.
Things to See and Do in Midtown
- Dig into traditional Southern food and drinks at South Street Restaurant.
- Dine on rustic dishes and traditional Southern food at The Row.
- Enjoy a food tour of Nashville and sample all the local cuisine.
- Savor a smoky and delicious drink at Whiskey Kitchen.
- See the Parthenon, a life-size replica of the ancient Greek relic.
- Sip homemade cocktails and enjoy the global fare at Bound’ry Restaurant.
- Spend a night at the Patterson House, an old speakeasy with an upscale twist.
- Take a stroll along Music Row.
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Buy an eSIM!4. The Gulch – Coolest Place to Stay in Nashville
Nestled between downtown and Midtown is The Gulch. It’s by Far and away the coolest neighborhood in the city. The Gulch is a LEED-certified neighborhood with a rich industrial history. Once the site of the city’s main rail station, The Gulch is today a hotspot for Nashville’s young, hip and fabulous populations.
The Gulch is known for its trendy dining and high-end fashion boutiques. This is the ideal place to stay in Nashville if you’re a culture vulture or fashionista who is keen to explore the streets and pick up a few unique pieces.
This is also a great neighborhood to indulge in Nashville’s favorite pastime: listening to incredible live music. The Gulch is home to The Station Inn, a charming establishment that’s been hosting the best bluegrass music and artists for more than three decades.
Best Airbnb in The Gulch: Chic loft apartment
This chic city apartment is great for city breakers. It’s in a great suburb, prime for pedestrian exploration. Clearly, a lot of love and work has gone into decorating this studio, making it a great place to hang out, offering fantastic views with it’d floor to ceiling windows. It’s fully kitted out with brand-new amenities as well.
Nashville Skyline View: 1 Bedroom Loft in The Gulch
Fancy splurging on some rock star accommodation when in Nashville? This chic and trendy loft offers some epic views and is one mile from Honky Tonk row, which is an easyish walk home after a few beers or JDs. Previous guests have rated the high ceilings, wide spaces, and handpicked local suggestions offered by the host. It doesn’t come cheap but is worth the spend.
Best High-End House in The Gulch: Massive Luxury Mansion (Sleeps 12)
Alright, you’ve caught us – this is definitely not cheap accommodation, but hear us out. This incredible house sleeps up to 12 people! Bring your friends along to the coolest area in Nashville and split the bill at the end. Boom – affordable high-end luxury! But seriously, this massive mansion is worth every penny. Designed with a perfect eye for detail, located in the best area, and flooded with light throughout the day, the house is an amazing place to spend your stay in the city.
Best Budget Hotel in The Gulch: Holiday Inn Express Nashville Downtown Conference Center
Conveniently located in the trendy Gulch neighborhood, this two-star hotel is close to downtown and all of Nashville’s top attractions. It boasts comfortable and spacious rooms with great modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a drink or meal in the stylish on-site bar. Our favorite pick of the local cheap hotels.
Things to See and Do in The Gulch
- Choose from more than 200 different varieties of beer at the Flying Saucer.
- Walk around Nashville’s largest urban park, The Centennial Park.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Nashville from Up Rooftop Lounge.
- Hunt for treasures and trinkets at the Downtown Antique Mall.
- Listen to the best bluegrass music at The Station Inn.
- Sample beers from local brewers at Yazoo Brewing Company and Jackalope Brewing Company.
- Savor succulent BBQ at Peg Leg Porker.
- See fantastic exhibits and incredible works of art at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.
5. Music Valley – Best Neighbourhood in Nashville for Families
Well outside the city center is the Music Valley. A charming and historic neighborhood in East Nashville, Music Valley is known for its outstanding music, entertainment, cultural and historical activities, unique shopping, and outdoor adventures.
With a wealth of iconic attractions and interesting activities, Music Valley gets my vote for where to stay in Nashville for families.
Music Valley is home to the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s most famous and iconic tourist attraction. Founded in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has hosted some of the most famous names in country music over the last nine decades.
Whether you explore on a tour or catch a show, make sure you take the time to visit this one-of-a-kind American landmark.
Best Airbnb in Music Valley: Charming house for a family getaway
With so much on its doorstep, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you go with this charming home away from home. A host of activities and restaurants can be found just minutes away. If you opt to stay in, the house has generous cooking and dining facilities and a huge garden for the kids to run around in.
Best In-Expensive Option in Music Valley: Best Western Suites near Opryland
With its comfortable rooms and great location, it’s no wonder the Best Western Suites is one of my favorite family hotels in Nashville. Located in Music Valley, this luxury hotel is close to a range of restaurants and cafes. It has a fitness center, swimming pool, and 100 spacious suites.
Best Hotel in Music Valley: The Inn at Opryland A Gaylord Hotel
The Inn at Opryland is a modern and stylish hotel ideal for families visiting Nashville. It is conveniently located near top sightseeing and dining options. It has a variety of wellness facilities, including a fitness center and an indoor pool, as well as a delicious on site restaurant.
Best Hotel in Music Valley: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Nashville – Opryland
This fantastic three-star hotel gets my vote for where to stay in Music Valley. A short distance from the Grand Ole Opry, this hotel is close to shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions. Guests can enjoy a great selection of fitness and wellness facilities. A buffet breakfast is also available.
Things to See and Do in Music Valley
- Enjoy American fare, cocktails, and plenty of games at lively and exciting Dave & Busters.
- Explore the lush Two Rivers Park.
- Hear incredible free live music at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
- Rent kayaks and cruise along the Cumberland River.
- Savor a sweet and refreshing treat at Ben & Jerry’s.
- See props, pictures, and costumes from the Dukes of Hazzard at Cooter’s Museum.
- Splash and play all day long at the Wave Country-Wave Pool.
- Take a day trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery
FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in Nashville
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Nashville and where to stay.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Nashville
Nashville is an eclectic city bursting with fun and excitement, good food, great music, and a one-of-a-kind history.
In this guide, I’ve highlighted the best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville. While there aren’t many hostels in the city, there are some inexpensive options and socialable hotels and guesthouses.
You’ll also find Nashville is never short of vacation rentals, like apartments, townhouses, and studios.
Wherever you decide to stay in Nashville, I hope you have an epic time in the country music capital!
Updated December 2022 by Megan Christopher
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
